Choosing between different energy companies and gas suppliers is confusing enough without all the sales calls and fancy brochures. Most business owners just want straight answers about who’s going to give them the best deal without the hassle.
Energy Companies: The Full Package Deal
Energy companies that supply both gas and electricity often push the “one bill, one contract” approach. Sounds simple. Get everything from one place and avoid dealing with multiple suppliers.
Some companies do make this work well. You get one monthly bill, one phone number to call, and one account manager who knows your business. When it works, it’s pretty convenient.
But what they do not always tell you, that bundling does not always mean better prices. Some energy providers use competitive electricity rates to hook you in, then charge more for gas. Or they offer great introductory rates that jump up after your first year.
The biggest energy companies have massive customer bases. This can mean cheaper rates because they buy energy in huge volumes.
Gas Suppliers: Specialists Who Know Their Stuff
Gas suppliers who focus just on gas often know the market inside out. They are not trying to juggle electricity, gas, and other services.They concentrate on getting you the best gas deal possible.
Many gas suppliers work with businesses that use lots of gas – restaurants, manufacturers, or offices with gas heating. They understand seasonal usage patterns and can offer contracts that match how you use gas.
Gas suppliers are often more flexible, too. Need to change your contract because you are expanding. Adding new equipment. The downside is that you will need separate contracts for gas and electricity. Two bills, two sets of terms, two companies to deal with. Some business owners find this annoying.
What About Your Utility Provider?
Your utility provider is the one who brings the electricity and gas to your site. This is not the same as who you purchase from, and you don’t get to choose the utility supplier.
But where it gets really interesting: certain energy companies and gas suppliers have better relations with certain utility supply networks. This can mean faster resolutions when something goes wrong. If you are in an area where the local utility provider network has regular issues, it is worth asking potential energy companies about their experience dealing with problems in your area.
Good supply-utility links can lead to quicker reconnections, better communication, and accurate fault reporting. Some of the suppliers even invest in domestic infrastructure upgrades.
Making the Choice Work for You
Think about how much gas your business uses. If it is mainly for heating and you are closed weekends, a specialist gas supplier’s contract might save you money compared to a standard business tariff from the big energy companies.
For electricity-heavy businesses, the opposite might be true. Energy companies that specialise in electricity often have better rates and more flexible contracts for high-usage customers.
Don’t ignore the admin side either. If you’ve got someone who can handle multiple supplier relationships, splitting gas and electricity might get you better deals. If you’re already stretched thin, dealing with one utility provider relationship might be worth paying a bit extra for.
Getting the Best Deal
Start by working out exactly how much gas and electricity you use. Without this information, you are just guessing which energy companies or gas suppliers offer the best value.
Get quotes from both combined energy companies and separate gas suppliers, as well as electricity providers. The math might surprise you.
Ask about contract terms, not just prices. What happens if you want to leave early? How often do they review rates? What’s their complaints procedure?
Check what other businesses in your area say about different energy companies and gas suppliers. Online reviews can tell you a lot about customer service quality.
The Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when deciding whether to go with combined energy businesses or specialist gas businesses. It really depends on the size of your business, the type of business you are in, how you consume energy, and how much time and expertise you have to juggle multiple agreements. What really does matter is working with businesses that provide transparent pricing, excellent customer support, and the ability to grow with your business as it expands or takes on a different direction.
Compare combined and separate energy quotes — the savings may surprise you.
Some companies enjoy the convenience of a single utility supplier handling gas and electricity and minimizing admin with a single point of contact. Others enjoy better value and customised service with multiple specialist suppliers. It’s worth doing your research to evaluate your current requirements, shop around for multiple quotes, inspect contract agreements, and factor in future development ambitions. A small bit of work now can pay long-term dividends and result in a smoother energy system.